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COMING TO THE KING. 

A BOOK OF 

!§mlv £P*bf0ifons fox Cljxlbtm 

i 

BY 

GKACE WEBSTER HINSDALE. 

a 3hoa art coming to a Sting f 
£Carge petitions with thee tring / 
Sor his grace and power are such ; 
39 one can ever aslo too much J ; 



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NEW YORK: 

ANSON D. F. RANDOLPH, 770 BROADWAY, 

Corner of Ninth Street. 

18 6 5. 



£ 



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at. 5 " 



Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1 S65, 

By Anson D. F. Bandolph, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States 
for the Southern District of New York. 



EDWARD 0. JENKINS, 
printer & .Stereotnper, 
No. 20 North William St. 



I have written these simple Prayers, hoping that 
they may be of some service in the morning and eve- 
ning devotions of children. I may be mistaken in 
thinking that such a book will be welcomed. But my 
own children kneel by my side, and while I am waiting 
for them to express their own petitions, they look up 
into my face and ask, " Mother, what shall I say ?" 
Do not many others often depend upon some one to 
tell them what to pray for ? Certainly no one can tell 
a child as much of our heavenly Father's love as the 
parents, and they can best teach it how to offer its 
worship and desires to God. It is nry humble desire 
that this little book may be approved by Christian 
parents, and that God will graciously bless ' it in con- 
nection with their labors. I have endeavored by the 
poetical selections and Scripture passages for each day, 
to increase the attraction and value of the book; and 
I shall be glad if it proves to be a help to the children 
to whom it is offered. 

G. W. H. 

Brooklyn, N. Y., 
May, 1865. 



Dear Children — Is it not a precious privilege 
to oe allowed to Tcneel before the throne of the great 
King, and to ask for all that we need ? Let us bring 
to him our praise and prayers with grateful hearts, 
hioicing that he is our gracious and loving Father, 
through Jesus Christ our Saviour. 

G. W. H. 



COMING TO THE KING. 



FIRST DA Y. 

TZISTEEL, my child, for God is here ! 

Bend in love, but not in fear ; 
Kneel before him now in prayer ; 
Thank him for his constant care ; 
Praise him for his bounties shed 
Every moment on thy head ; 
Ask for light to know his will, 
Ask for love, thy heart to fill ; 
Ask for faith to bear thee on 
Through the might of Christ, his son ; 
Ask his Spirit still to guide thee 
Through the ills that may betide thee ; 
Ask for peace, to lull to rest 
Every tumult of thy breast ; 
Ask in awe, but not in fear ; 
Kneel, my child, for God is here ! 

ANON. 

O God, thou art my God ; early will I seek 
thee. Ps. lxiii. I. 

Every day will I bless thee ; and I will praise 
thy name for ever and ever. Ps. cxlv. 2. 
1* (5) 



6 COMING TO THE KING. 

The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon 
him, to all that call upon him in truth. Ps. cxlv. 
18. 

They that seek the Lord shall not want any 
good thing. Ps. xxxiv. 10. 

Thou shalt call me, My father ; and shalt not 
turn away from me. Jer. iii. 19. 

Morning. 

AUR Father which art in heaven ; Hal- 
^ lowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. 
Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 
Give us this day our daily bread. And for- 
give us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver 
us from evil : For thine is the kingdom, and 
the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. 
Matt. vi. 9-13. 

Evening. 

ALMIGHTY GOD, thou art my crea- 
^ tor ; my body, so wonderfully made, is 
the work of thy hand, and my soul, which 



COMING TO THE KING. 7 

shall never die, came from thee. I belong to 
thee, my heavenly Father. My spirit must 
go back to thee when my poor body returns 
to dust. Oh let me never forget that I must 
give an account to thee of my life in this 
world ; of all my thoughts and words and 
acts ! 

I thank thee, God, for the multitude 
of thy mercies to me here. But, above all 
other things, I long to have my name writ- 
ten in heaven, in the book of life. 

Lord, thou dost know me by my name ; 
I am not too young for thy gracious notice. 
Thou hast known my coming in, and my go- 
ing out this day, and every moment of my 
life has been spent in thy sight. I pray 
thee to forgive my many sins, and to give 
me grace to live to thy praise. 

Lord, may Jesus be my Saviour, and 
may my prayer be accepted for his sake. 
Amen. 



comma to the king. 



SECOND DAY. 

TIST the green fields of Palestine, 

By its fountains and its rills, 
And by the sacred Jordan's stream, 

And o'er the vine-clad hills, 

Once lived and roved the fairest child 

That ever blessed the earth ; 
The happiest, the holiest 

That e'er had human birth. 

How beautiful his childhood was ! 

Harmless and undefiled ; 
Oh ! dear to his young mother's heart 

Was this pure, sinless child ! 

Kindly in all his deeds and words 

And gentle as the dove ; 
Obedient, affectionate, 

His very soul was love. 

Oh ! is it not a blessed thought, 

Children of human birth, 
That once the Saviour was a child 

And lived upon the earth ? 

C. F. H. 



COMING TO THE KING. g 

And this is the record that God hath given to 
us eternal life ; and this life is in his Son. 

He that hath the Son hath life ; and he that 
hath not the Son of God hath not life. 

These things have I written unto you that be- 
lieve on the name of the Son of God, that ye 
may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye 
may believe on the name of the Son of God. 

xA.nd this is the confidence that we have in him, 
that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he 
heareth us. i Jno. v. 11-14. 

Morning. 

A LORD, thou art the creator of all 
^ things ; there is no other God beside 
thee ; thou art the maker of heaven and 
earth ; thou art our Father, and hast invited 
us to come unto thee for those things which 
we need. 

Be pleased to teach me how to pray, and 
give me right desires ; help me to under- 
stand what it is to believe on the Lord Jesus 
Christ, and to bring my prayers unto thee 
in his precious name. 



IO COMING TO THE KING. 

Dear Saviour, wash my soul in thy blood, 
and put upon me the beautiful robe of thy 
righteousness ; may I show such a holy and 
obedient spirit, that thou mayest be glorified 
in my life, though I am but a child. 

Lord, preserve me this day from all 
evil ; from all sickness and accident, but es- 
pecially from sin ; and when the sun has 
gone down may I rejoice to think that I 
am one day nearer to my sweet home in 
heaven. I ask it all in Jesus' name. Amen. 



Evening. 

TvEAR heavenly Father, how good hast 
*J thou been to me to-day ! I cannot count 
thy mercies to me ! Let me not forget that 
all thy goodness is granted to me because 
Jesus the dear Saviour died to save us from 
the punishment we deserve. God, I pray 
thee to take away all my sins, and love me, 
and save me for Jesus' sake. 

Dear Father, if it please the? spare me 



COMING TO THE KING. j x 

from pain and sickness ; give me health and 
strength I humbly ask thee. But if it is 
thy holy will that I should suffer, as so 
many others do, please to comfort and bless 
me with thy love, and by thy grace help me 
to bear my pain, and to show a sweet and 
patient spirit. May I never be impatient 
or ready to complain, but teach me always 
to be satisfied with thy wise care and will. 
In all my life, whether I am sick or well, 
rich or poor, give me a heart to love and 
worship thee. God, be merciful to all 
who suffer ; to all who are sad and in dis- 
tress ; may the blessed Saviour tell them by 
his Spirit that God is wise and good, and 
knows what is best for them. Thou hast 
made me very happy here in my home in 
this world, but, I pray thee, never let me for- 
get what is promised in heaven to those 
who repent of their sins and love the Sa- 
viour. Lord, hear my prayer for Jesus' 
sake. Amen. 



12 COMING TO THE KING. 



THIRD DA T. 

OEEESTG I am Jesus' lamb, 
^ Ever glad at heart I am 
O'er my Shepherd kind and good, 
Who provides me daily food, 
And his lamb by name doth call, 
For he knows and loves us all. 

Guided by his gentle staff 
Where the sunny pastures laugh, 
I go in and out and feed, 
Lacking nothing that I need ; 
When I thirst my feet he brings 
To the fresh and living springs. 

Must I not rejoice for this ? 

He is mine and I am his ; 

And when these bright days are past, 

Safely in his arms at last 

He will bear me home to Heaven ; 

Oh what joy hath Jesus given ! 

LUISE H. VON HAYM. 

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from 



C02IING TO THE KING. 



l 3 



above, and cometh down from the Father of lights. 
Jas. i. 17. 

Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. 
2 Cor. ix. 15. 

I am the good Shepherd, and know my sheep, 
and am known of mine. Jno. x. 14. 

And there shall be one fold, and one Shepherd. 
Jno. x. 16. 

Morning. 

TvEAR heavenly Father, accept my thanks 
*J for the morning light : thou hast pre- 
served me through the darkness of the night, 
and I have slept in safety, because thy hand 
has shielded me from every danger. Accept 
my thanks that thou hast made me capable 
of calling upon thee in prayer. 

Lord, let no evil thoughts enter my 
heart to-day, but create within me a clean 
heart, that my words and actions may be 
right in thy sight. May all the pleasures I 
enjoy remind me of thee, who art the giver 
of all my mercies ; in all my little trials and 
disappointments give me confidence in thy 



i 4 COMING TO THE KING. 

gentleness and pity, and receive my humble 
prayer for thy help. I am often impatient 
and unwilling to be confined to the duties 
given me to do. I am too easily provoked 
and made angry by contradiction and slight 
injury. Dear Jesus, give me thy meek and 
lowly mind ; help me to persevere in trying 
to imitate thee ; help me to conquer all feel- 
ings of resentment, and make me willing to 
bear many injuries rather than offer one to 
another. 

Lord, assist me in all my studies this 
day, and make me intelligent and thoughtful 
and full of love to thee. I beseech thee, 
hear my prayer for Jesus' sake. Amen. 

^Evening. 

PvEAR Jesus, thou dost call thyself the 
^ Good Shepherd ; I beseech thee keep 
me safely in thy fold. Oh, make me one of 
thy lambs, and let me not wander away from 
thy side. May I know and obey the voice 
of my Shepherd. Dear Saviour, guide 



COMING TO THE KING. 



l S 



me safely through this world, and bring me, 
at last, to see thy face, and to sing thy 
praise in the heavenly fold above. Lord, 
gather all the children of the world into thy 
happy flock ; may we all love thy voice, and 
attend to thy commands. Give to us such 
blessings in this life as thou shalt see are 
for our good ; provide for us those things 
which we need each day. and graciously 
protect us from every danger. Save us 
from the evils that are in this sinful world, 
and from the selfishness and wickedness of 
our own hearts. Dear Jesus, do for us all 
that we need, and take our hands in thine 
and lead us safely to our heavenly home. 
Amen. 




16 COMING TO THE KING. 



FOURTH DAY. 

"WTHY do we say " Thy kingdom come V 9 
Because our King is far away, 
And till he comes to us again, 
We wait, and watch, and pray. 

Because some hearts are cold and hard, 
And some are traitors to his cause, 

They do not honor the great King, 
They will not keep his laws. 

But if we say these solemn words, 
And hope to share his triumph hour, 

Our hearts must be his kingdom now, 
Where he alone hath power. 

They must be holy, pure, and true, 

Obeying Christ in eyery thing, 
For they who own his gentle rule, 

Can have no other King. 

ANON. 

For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to 
keep thee in all thy ways. Ps. xci. 1 1 . 

Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to 
minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation ? 
Heb. i. 14. 



COMING TO THE KING. iy 

So shall it be at the end of the world : the an- 
gels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from 
among the just. Matt. xiii. 49. 

And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and 
was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom. 
Luke xvi. 22. 



Morning. 

TJEAVENLY Father ! please to draw me 
^-*- near to thee this morning ; please to 
make me humble and sincere when I kneel 
before thee. To-day I would delight to re- 
member what thy word tells us of the holy 
angels. Wilt thou not give them a charge 
concerning me, to protect me from harm, 
and to influence my heart by their gentle 
and loving presence ? 

There are many holy and beautiful angels 
around thy throne, and hast thou not said 
that they are sent on errands of love to us ? 
Lord, if thou hast indeed committed me, 
who am so helpless, to the sweet care and 
love of one of these holy beings, grant that 
2* 



i8 COMING TO THE KING. 

I may not grieve that loving friend, by 
wicked thoughts or acts. May I remember 
that by-and-by the angels shall gather out 
of thy kingdom all things that offend and 
them which do iniquity. 

Oh, keep me, dear Father, from every sin, 
and may the angels bring me at last into 
thine arms for Jesus' sake. Amen. 

JEvenivg. 

A GOD, my gracious and loving Father, how 
^ much I need the mercy which thou art 
so ready to show to those who are sorry for 
their sins ! I have done the things I ought 
not to have done ; I have left undone the 
things I ought to have done. I beseech of 
thee to look upon Jesus, thy dear Son, in 
whom thou art well pleased, as my Saviour, 
suffering my punishment, and offering his 
perfect righteousness in the place of my in- 
gratitude and sin. 

Thou art, Lord, a great and glorious 
King, and I have broken thy just and holy 



COMING TO THE KING. X g 

laws ; but I grieve most of all because I 
have offended such a kind and tender Father. 
God, let me not go on in my evil ways, 
thinking that thou wilt still be patient with 
me, and overlook my sin ! Let thy goodness 
make me grateful and obedient, and grant 
thy forgiving mercy to my soul through 
Jesus, my Saviour. Amen. 




20 COMING TO THE KING. 



FIFTH DA Y. 

THROUGH the day Thy love has spared ua 

Now we lay us down to rest ; 

Through the silent watches guard us, 

Let no foe our peace molest : 

Jesus thou our guardian be ; 

Sweet it is to trust in thee. 



Pilgrims here on earth, and strangers, 

Dwelling in the midst of foes, 
Us and ours preserve from dangers ; 
In thine arms may we repose ; 

And, when life's short day is past, 
Rest with thee in heaven at last. anon. 

Thou, even thou, art Lord alone : thou hast 
made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all 
their host, the earth, and all things that are there- 
in, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou pre- 
servest them all ; and the host of heaven worship- 
ped! thee. Neh. ix. 6. 

Glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, 
which are God's. 1 Cor. vi. 20. 



COMING TO THE KING. 2 l 

Morning. 

ETERNAL and infinite God ! I worship 
•^ thee as the only true and holy God ; 
thou art worthy of all praise and love ; 
thou art from everlasting, and the worlds 
were made by thy power ; thou gavest me 
my being, and to thy compassion and mercy 
I owe all my blessings. 

O God, teach me to understand more 
about the life which my soul shall have after 
my body is laid in the grave ; prepare me 
to spend eternity with the happy saints and 
angels in heaven. May I feel the value of 
the few days and years 1 am to spend here 
upon the earth. Let me not forget, heav- 
enly Father, that the young often die, and 
that I may be taken out of the world at any 
time. Lord, I pray thee to accept my 
thanks for the sweet hope of life and happi- 
ness in heaven. I will not be afraid of 
death, for the blessed Saviour will receive 
me into his arms when I leave earthly 
friends. Lord, I beseech thee not to re- 



22 COMING TO THE KING. 

member my many sins, but wash them all 
away in Jesus' blood, and save my soul for 
his sake. Amen. 



Evening. 

TIEAVENLY Father ! I bow at thy feet 
J - J - this evening to thank thee for all the 
gifts which fall from thy bountiful hand 
upon me. Oh ! let me give myself to thee ; 
may I keep nothing back. 

I rejoice to know that I am not my own, 
but that with my body and soul I belong to 
the dear Saviour. May my eye look with 
faith to Jesus ; may I trust and love him. 
Let my ear be opened to his voice, and may 
I sit with delight at Jesus' feet, hearing his 
word. Give my hand some work to do for 
him who has done so much for me, and give 
me a faithful spirit. Oh ! may my feet fol- 
low in his holy steps, and run the way of 
God's commandments. May my lips speak 
of Jesus' love, and sing his praise. Lord, 






COMING TO THE KING. 



23 



I would give my whole heart to him who 
gave himself for me. 

Mercifully forgive my sins this night. 
Watch over me and all whom I love while 
we rest ; may we offer unto thee grateful 
hearts as we close our eyes to sleep, and 
may we wake to enjoy thy continued good- 
ness. I ask it all in Jesus' name. Amen. 




24 COMING TO THE KING. 



SIXTH DAY. 

H OD of mercy, throned on high, 

Listen from thy lofty seat, 
Hear, oh hear our feeble cry, 

Guide, oh guide our wandering feet ! 

Young and erring travelers, we 
All our dangers do not know ; 

Scarcely fear the stormy sea, 
Hardly feel the tempest blow. 

Jesus, lover of the young, 

Cleanse us with thy blood divine ! 

Ere the tide of sins grow strong, 
Save us, keep us, make us thine ! 

Let us ever hear thy voice, 

Ask thy counsel every day ; 
Saints and angels will rejoice, 

If we walk in wisdom's way. anon. 

I will instruct thee, and teach thee in the way 
which thou shalt go : I will guide thee with mine 
eye. Ps. xxxii. 8. 



COMING TO THE KING. 25 

Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and af- 
terward receive me to glory. Ps. lxxiii. 24. 

Likewise, I say unto you, There is joy in the 
presence of the angels of God over one sinner that 
repenteth. Luke xv. 10. 



Morning. 

A LOKD, every morning when I rise I 
^ would start anew on my pleasant jour- 
ney to my heavenly home. Please to show 
me the wrong steps I have taken in the 
past ; please to guide me to-day, and in all 
my life. 

When my parents reprove me for wrong- 
doing, may I be sorry for my fault, and wilt 
thou make me submissive to their correction. 
May I never be proud or boastful or obsti- 
nate, but keep me humble and careful and 
obedient. 

Lord, bless me not only, but grant thy 
mercy to every child in all the world ; send 
blessings to all the poor and to those who 
3 



26 COMING TO THE KING. 

are sick ; let the love of Jesus be known 
over all the earth. I offer my prayer in 
Jesus 7 name. Amen. 



Evening. 

TTELP me, Lord, to feel that I am in 
-"- thy holy presence when I kneel to 
pray. Help me to put away all other 
thoughts from my mind ; and please to bend 
thine ear to my prayer. 

I have been permitted to enjoy the pleas- 
ures of another day, and now I come to ask 
thee, my Father in heaven, to watch over 
me while I sleep, and to wake me in the 
morning with a grateful and obedient heart. 
I am ashamed that I do so little that can 
please God ; be pleased to accept my simple 
faith, while I try to lay my sins on Jesus, 
the spotless Lamb of God ; help me to un- 
derstand how he became a sacrifice for me, 
and for his sake hear my prayer. Amen. 



COMING TO THE KING. 2 -j 



SEVENTH DAY. 

T AMB of God, I look to thee ; 
-^ Thou shalt my example be ; 
Thou art gentle, meek, and mild ; 
Thou wast once a little child. 

Fain I would be as thou art ; 
Give me thy obedient heart ! 
Thou art pitiful and kind ; 
Let me have thy loving mind. 

Loving Jesus, gentle Lamb, 
In thy gracious hands I am ; 
Make me, Saviour, what thou art ! 
Live thyself within my heart ! 

I shall then show forth thy praise ; 
Serve thee all my happy days ; 
Then the world shall always see 
Christ, the Holy Child, in me. 

CHARLES WESLEY. 

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto 
him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which 
taketh away the sin of the world ! J no. i # xxix. 



2 8 COMING TO THE KING. 

Let this mind be in you, which was also in 
Christ Jesus. Phil. ii. v. 

Beware lest thou forget the Lord. Deut. vi. 1 2. 

God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be 
tempted above that ye are able ; but will with 
the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye 
may be able to bear it. 1 Cor. x. 13. 

To him that overcometh will I give to eat of 
the tree of life, which is in the midst of the para- 
dise of God. Rev. ii. 7. 



Morning. 

A LORD GOD, though thou art such a 
" great and holy Being, thy word tells 
me that thou dost think upon me, and that 
thou dost love and pity me. Thou art in- 
deed the best friend I can have ; my earthly 
father cannot love me with such a love as 
thine. Thy thoughts of us are full of 
mercy, and thou hast spoken to us by the 
sweet and gentle voice of Jesus, our dear 
Saviour. 

Lord, help me this morning to offer a 



COMING TO THE KING. 



29 



new song of praise to thee ; and please to 
put within me a more obedient heart. 

I would think of thee this day, dear 
heavenly Father ; in the midst of my pleas- 
ures may I remember thee with gratitude ; 
when I am tempted to sin, may I remember 
thy commands, and fear the Lord. I be- 
seech of thee, God, to hear my prayer 
for Jesus' sake. Amen. 

Evening. 

OLORD, thou hast again commanded the 
darkness to cover the earth, and I am 
come to offer unto thea my evening prayer. 
My days pass swiftly away in the midst of 
thy blessings. Oh help me to remember that 
if my life is spared, I shall have real and 
important duties to perform. May my char- 
acter and manners be improved each day. 
Let not my wicked heart deceive me ; but 
help me to cultivate a noble and pure spirit, 
that I may be prepared to do good in the 
world. 

3* 



3 o COMING TO THE KING. 

To-night I pray for the forgiveness of all 
my sins ; give me, I pray thee, a holy desire 
to overcome every wrong disposition, and 
wash me thoroughly from every stain of sin. 

Into thy merciful hands I commit myself 
and my dear friends this night ; please to 
grant us thy mercy, for Jesus' sake. Amen. 




COMING TO THE KING. 31 



EIGHTH BAY. 

HTHE Spirit, like a peaceful dove, 
■^ Flies from the realms of noise and strife : 
Why should we yex and grieve his love, 
Who seals our souls to heavenly life ! 

Tender and kind be all our thoughts ; 

Through all our lives let mercy run : 
So God forgives our numerous faults, 

For the dear sake of Christ, his Son. 

WATTS. 

And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance 
fell. Gen. iv. 5. 

A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance. 
Prov. xv. 13. 

Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth ; keep 
the door of my lips. Ps. cxli. 3. 

My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my 
tongue utter deceit. Job xxvii. 4. 

I beseech thee, show me thy glory. Ex. 
xxxiii. 18. 



32 COMING TO THE KING. 

Morning. 

TvEAR Jesus! I do not wonder that the 
*J little children ran with gladness into 
thine arms when thou wast on the earth. 
Thy smile was sweet to see, and thy voice 
was gentle and kind. 

Oh may there be upon my face the signs 
of a loving and Christ-like spirit. Open 
thou my lips, that all my words may be 
such as thou wouldst have me speak. Let 
no little word of mine stir up strife or cause 
unhappiness among my companions. But 
may I always wear a pleasant smile, and 
may my voice show a happy heart to all 
around me. Bless me this day, God, I 
pray thee, and hear my prayer for Jesus' 
sake. Amen. 

Evening. 

DEAR heavenly Father, thou hast mer- 
cifully spared me through another day. 
I thank thee for thy goodness. To-night 



COMING TO THE KING. 



33 



I ask thy forgiveness for the many things 
which I have done displeasing to thee. 

I know that I ought to love thee per- 
fectly. Oh show me something of thy glory, 
that I may have in my heart a real spirit 
of worship and love to thee. May the 
Holy Spirit teach me to know God, and 
may he so change my wicked heart that I 
may love that which is right. 

Lord, remember all my dear friends 
to-night, and let thy mercy protect us for 
Jesus' sake. Amen. 




34 COMING TO THE KINO. 



NINTH DA Y. 

"RATHER in heaven, look down, I pray, 

And guide my steps throughout the day ; 
Let not my thoughts to sin incline, 
But fill me with thy grace divine. 

Let all my words and actions be 
Restrained and governed, Lord, by thee ; 
Bless my dear friends whom thou hast given 
To teach my soul the way to heaven. 

Bless me, dear Lord, again I pray ; 
Let nothing tempt me from the way 
Which leads at last, through Jesus' love, 
To that sweet home of joy above. 

a w. h. 



The Lord your God is gracious and merciful, 
and will not turn away his face from you, if ye re- 
turn unto him. 2 Chron. xxx. 9. 

Thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and 
merciful, slow to anger,, and of great kindness, 
Neh. ix. 17. 



COMING TO THE KING. 



35 



Like as a father pitieth his children, so the 
Lord pitieth them that fear him. Ps. ciii. 13. 

And David said unto the Lord, I have sinned 
greatly in that I have done : and now, I beseech 
thee, O Lord, take away the iniquity of thy ser- 
vant; for I have done very foolishly. 2 Sam. 
xxiv. 10. 

Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth 
with all your heart • for consider how great things 
he hath done for you. 1 Sam. xii. 24. 

The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us 
from all sin. 1 John i. 7. 



Morning. 

"HEAR Jesus, my precious Saviour, I often 
" wish that I could see thee ; I think it 
would be easier to be good and obedient, 
if I could always see thee by my side. I 
know that thou art up in heaven, and 
that thou sendest to me the good things I 
receive ! Thou hast written to me in thy 
holy word ; and the good and holy men who 
followed thee when thou wast upon the 



3 6 COMING TO THE KING. 

earth, have told us what they heard thee 
say, and saw thee do. Lord, open my 
eyes of faith, to see thee and know thee ; 
may I be sure of thy love to me, and believe 
in thee in my heart, though I cannot see 
thee. Help me to-day to act just as if I saw 
thee walking near me and looking upon me. 
Amen. 



Evening. 

A GOD, I have a sinful nature ; there are 
" proud and foolish thoughts, and selfish 
wishes in my heart ; and thou canst see them 
all. Thine eye has watched me all through 
this day ; and thine ear has heard all that I 
have said. 

I am sorry for all my sins, and for the 
mistakes I have made in my poor attempts 
to do right. O Lord, do not keep the re- 
cord of my wicked acts upon thy book, I 
pray thee ; but before I fall asleep, let it all 
be blotted out for the dear Saviour's sake. 

Bless my brothers and sisters and our 



COMING TO THE KING. 37 

dear father and mother to-night ; please to 
hear their many prayers for us and make us 
what they wish us to be. May we never 
grieve their hearts by ungrateful and wicked 
conduct. In our childhood, dear heavenly 
Father, may we by thy -grace acquire holy 
and useful habits, that our life here in this 
world may be to thy glory, and a comfort to 
our parents. 

Lord, cleanse my heart from all its sins in 
the precious blood of Christ, and accept my 
prayer for His sake. Amen. 




38 COMING TO THE KING. 



TENTH DA T. 

/^REAT God, and wilt thou condescend 
^ To be my Father and my Friend ? 
I, a poor child, and thou so high, 
The Lord of earth, and air, and sky ! 

Art thou my Father ? Let me be 

A meek, obedient child to thee ; 

And try in word, and deed, and thought, 

To serve and please thee as I ought. 

Art thou my Father ? I'll depend 
Upon the care of such a Friend ; 
And only wish to do, and be, 
Whatever seemeth good to thee. 

Art thou my Father ? Then at last, 
When all my days on earth are passed, 
Send down and take me in thy love, 
To be thy better child above. 

JANE TAYLOR. 

As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved 
you. Jno. xv. 9. 



COMING TO THE KING. 



39 



If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is 
none of his. Rom. viii. 9. 

The Lord knoweth them that are his. 2 Tim. 
ii. 19. 

What shall I render unto the Lord for all his 
benefits toward me? Ps. cxvi. 12. 

I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live ; I 
will sing praise to my God while I have my being. 
Ps. civ. 33. 

Cease to do evil. Is. i. 16. 

Learn to do well. Is. i. 17. 

That which I see not, teach thou me ; if I have 
done iniquity, I will do no more. Job xxxiv. 32. 



Morning. 

TXE AR heavenly Father, I bow down to of- 
" fer unto thee my worship. Thou hast 
given to me my life ; and all my privileges 
and enjoyments are the gifts of thy love. 

To-day, I pray thee help me to improve in 
good behavior ; keep me from repeating 
the wrong acts I have done in the past ; 



4° 



COMING TO THE KING. 



keep my tongue from speaking again the 
words which have displeased thee. God, 
fill my heart with love to thee, and give me 
a true desire to be thy dear child. Please 
to grant thy mercy to all my friends, and 
bless the whole world for Jesus' sake. 
Amen. 

Evening. 

rpHE sun has gone down, and the little 
■*- birds have folded their wings, and 
hushed their happy songs. I kneel before 
thee again, dear Father in heaven, to thank 
thee for all thy goodness and to ask thee 
still to keep me in thy loving care. 

How tenderly have I been cared for to- 
day by all my dear friends ! I can never 
repay my father and my mother for all their 
love ; God, I beseech thee to make me 
careful to do the things they bid me. Oh 
hear their many prayers for me, that I may 
grow up to live a holy and happy life. I 
ask it for the dear Redeemer's sake. Amen. 



COMING TO THE KING. + i 



ELEVENTH DA T. 

TELL, if thou canst, how yonder flower 
-*■ To life and light has burst its way ; 
Through ten long months beneath the ground 
Its snowy petals torpid lay. 

Then I will teach thee how a child 
From death's long slumber can awake. 

And, to eternal life renewed, 
His robe of heavenly beauty take. 

"While from the dust, each circling year, 
The snow-drop lifts its humble head, 

Say, shall I doubt God's equal power, 
To call me from my lowly bed ? 

ANON. 

And many of them that sleep in the dust of the 
earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and 
some to shame and everlasting contempt. Dan. 
xii. 2. 

Marvel not at this : for the hour is coming, in 

the which all that are in the graves shall hear his 

voice, and shall come forth ; they that have done 

good, unto the resurrection of life ; and they that 

4* 



42 COMING TO THE KING. 

have done evil, unto the resurrection of damna- 
tion. Jno* v. 28, 29. 

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou 
shalt be saved. Acts xvi. 3 1 . 



Morning. 

T COME into thy presence this morning, 
-*- my heavenly Father, to thank thee for 
the care which has shielded me through the 
hours of another night How wonderful 
and kind is the power that created and pre- 
serves my body ! I laid down to sleep and 
soon forgot all that was around me ; but 
God has opened my eyes again, and made 
my limbs to move obedient to my will. 
Lord, help me to remember that by-and-by 
my body must sleep in the grave, till the 
voice of Jesus shall wake me to enjoy a bet- 
ter life. How sweet it is to know that 
thou, God, dost care for every one of us ; 
that thou wilt some time call us out of the 
world to be with thee in heaven ! 



COMING TO TEE KING. 



43 



Make me obedient to thee, my heavenly 
Father, and to my earthly parents, and after 
this life receive my soul, for Jesus' sake. 
Amen. 

Evening. 

T\EAR Jesus! thou art the Almighty Son 
*J of God, yet thou didst come down to 
our world and clothe thyself with flesh and 
blood ; thou didst suffer wicked men to nail 
thy blessed body to the cross ; thou didst 
permit them to pierce thy side, and to put 
a crown of thorns upon thy head. Oh ! 
what love it was in thee to die for such 
poor sinners as we are ! And yet, dear Je- 
sus, my heart is so hard that it does not love 
thee as it ought ; it is so wicked that it 
does not hate its sins ! I pray thee to take 
away this hard and stony heart and give me 
a heart full of gratitude and love to thee. 
To-day I have tried to please thee ; I know 
that what I have done has been only a poor 
return for thy love to me ; but I pray thee 



44 



COMING TO THE KING. 



to look with kindness upon me, and to ac- 
cept my desire to please thee. Bless me 
while I rest in my bed ; let me awake in the 
morning as cheerful as the little birds, who 
sing thy praise. 

Dear Father in heaven, hear my prayer 
for Jesus 7 sake. Amen. 




COMING TO THE KING. 



49 



TWELFTH DA Y. 

TITE are soldiers doing battle, 
' * Day by day, and hour by hour, 
Each one with his own temptations 
Striving in the Spirit's power ; 

Still that Spirit stronger groweth 
In the hearts that hold it fast ; 

He will help us, teach us, crown us, 
More than conquerors at the last. 

A^ON. 

And God said, Ask what I shall give thee, i 
Kings iii. 5. 

Your Father knoweth what things ye have need 
of before ye ask him. Matt. vi. 8. 

But my God shall supply all your need accord- 
ing to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Phil, 
iv. 19. 

Let me hear thy voice. Cant. ii. 14. 

The way of the righteous is made plain. Pro v. 
xv. 19. 



+ 6 COMING TO THE KING. 

Morning. 

T|BAR heavenly Father, I know that I am 
U graciously permitted to ask of thee 
those things which thou hast promised. 
Hast thou not said that thou wilt give 
wisdom to those who ask it of thee? I 
pray thee to teach me thy ways and show 
me the path of life. Hast thou not promised 
to give strength to those who wish to be 
good soldiers of the Lord Jesus Christ ? I 
pray thee that love to our glorious leader, 
may make me bold and courageous in fight- 
ing against every sin. 

God, thou hast offered to us many pre- 
cious gifts, but especially do I beg of thee 
the Holy Spirit to dwell in my soul. Grant 
unto me these mercies for my dear Redeem- 
er's sake. Amen. 



o 



Evening. 

GOD, I thank thee that the sweet and 
holy religion which Jesus, the blessed 



COMING TO THE KING. 



47 



Saviour, teaches, is so simple and plain that 
I can understand so much of its holy truth. 
I rejoice, God, that though thou art so in- 
finite and holy, I need not be afraid to kneel 
and speak to thee. How sweet the thought 
of thy love to us is ! We are happy and 
safe in thy tender care. Lord, to-night 
have mercy upon me and all whom I love ; 
bless the poor, and the sick, and all for whom 
we ought to pray. Oh let the happy time 
soon come when the whole world shall hear 
of Jesus, and love his dear name. Will 
God accept my worship and petitions for 
the dear Redeemer's sake. Amen. 




48 COMING TO THE KING. 



THIRTEENTH HA T. 

TI7E could not know that God is love, 
' * If left to nature's book alone ; 
The earth and sky could never prove 
That mercy sits upon the throne. 

We could not read the Saviour's name 
Upon the beams of morning light ; 

The star which shone when Jesus came 
Is faded from the vault of night. 

The Bible tells us how he died, 
That we might have eternal bliss ; 

Oh ! see his bleeding hands and side ! 
Was ever love so great as this ? 

He wrought a robe for us to wear 
Before Jehovah's glorious throne : 

Canst thou in nature tell me where 
This wondrous love of God is shown ? 

g. w. H. 

And that from a child thou haet known the 
holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise 



CCMING TO THE KING. 



49 



unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Je- 
sus. 2 Tim. iii. 15. 

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light 
unto my path. Ps. cxix. 105. 

The soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of 
David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. 
1 Sam. xviii. 1. 



Morning. 

A GOD, thou hast again divided the light 
^ from the darkness, and given us an- 
other bright and cheerful day ; please to 
bliss me as I bring to thee my morning 
prayer and offering of praise. 
; ' Bless me as I read thy Holy word ; may 
it seem to me as the voice of God speaking 
to me. Lord, let the Holy Bible be like a 
heavenly guide very near to me, to keep me 
in the way which leads to eternal life. Ac- 
cept my thanks that I have been taught to 
read, so that I can open the holy book, and 
find the precious promises and the sweet 
5 



5° 



COMING TO THE KING. 



words of Jesus. Oh that it might bring the 
tears to ray eyes, when I read how my dear 
Saviour was crucified for me ; how his head 
and hands and side were pierced, that his 
precious blood might flow to wash away my 
sins ! Oh help me to remember his love to- 
day, that I may strive to please him. Heav- 
enly Father, hear my prayer, for Jesus' sake. 
Amen. 

Evening. 

f\ LORD, thy kind care has brought me to 
^ the close of another day ; make me se- 
rious and solemn while I remember that one 
more day of my life is gone. Will God for 
Jesus' sake forgive every sin I have commit- 
ted since I rose this morning, and may all the 
sins of my life be washed away in the dear 
Redeemer's blood. 

I have enjoyed to-day the care and love 
of tender friends. How shall I thank thee 
enough, dear heavenly Father, for those who 
love me so well and do so much for my good 



COMING TO THE KING. 51 

and happiness. I thank thee too for the 
love of my young companions ; may I be 
wise and careful in the selection of friends ; 
may I choose those who fear and love God, 
and may we help each other to grow daily 
more and more like the holy Jesus. God, 
may my friends here upon the earth be not 
only sweet and dear to me, but also true and 
faithful, that, in our heavenly home we may 
meet to love each other, and to enjoy a hap- 
py eternity. I ask it all for Jesus' sake 
Amen. 




5 2 COMING TO THE KING. 



FO TJRTEENTH DA Y. 

THERE is a green hill far away, 
A Without a city wall, 
Where the dear Lord was crucified, 
Who died to save us all. 

We may not know, we cannot tell 

What pains he had to bear, 
But we believe it was for us 

He hung and suffered there. 

He died that we might be forgiven, 

He died to make us good ; 
That we might go at last to Heaven, 

Saved by his precious blood. 

c. F. H. 

For God so loved the world, that he gave his 
only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in 
him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 

For God sent not his Son into the world to 
condemn the world; but that the world through 
him might be saved. Jno. iii. 16, 17. 

If ye love me, keep my commandments. Jno. 
xiv. 15. 



COMING TO THE KING. 



53 



Morning. 



A GOD, I know that closing my eyes, and 
" kneeling upon my knees, and repealing 
words which I do not think about, is not 
praying unto thee. I know that if my heart 
does not desire the things I ask, that thou 
wilt not hear me ; and if I do not offer my 
prayer in the dear Redeemer's name, thou 
wilt not receive it. Please to teach me 
how to pray unto thee, for without thy favor 
and blessing I shall be poorer than the 
poorest being upon the earth. 

God, I beg of thee those things which 
I need for my body and my soul. I bow at 
thy feet and ask thee to do for me more 
and better than I can ask or think, for my 
blessed Saviour's sake. Amen. 



Evening. 

T\EAR Jesus, my precious Saviour, thou 
U hast given thvself for me and suffered 



54 



COMING TO THE KING. 



the shameful death of the cross that I might 
be redeemed from all my sins, and be puri- 
fied by the Holy Spirit. 

I know, dear Jesus, that God, the holy 
Father, is ready and willing to hear thy 
prayer for me, and to receive me to be his 
child. Oh help me to do good works ; may 
I strive to be holy, and wilt thou teach me 
to trust in thy merits for the mercy of God 
to my soul ! 

Dear Lord, forgive all my sinful thoughts 
and actions this day, and though I am so 
unworthy, continue thy goodness to me. 
Amen. 




COMING TO THE KING. 



55 



FIFTEENTH DA Y. 

THY home is with the humble, Lord ! 
-*• The simplest are the best ; 
Thy lodging is in child-like hearts ; 
Thou makest there thy rest. 

Dear Comforter ! Eternal Love ! 

If thou wilt stay with me, 
Of lowly thoughts and simple ways 

I'll build a house for thee. 

Who made this beating heart of mine 

But thou, my heavenly G-uest ? 
Let no one have it, then, but thee, 

And let it be thy rest ! 

ANON 

That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith. 
Eph. hi. 17. 

This people draweth nigh unto me with their 
mouth, and honoreth me with their lips ; but 
their heart is far from me. Matt. xv. 8. 

And let him that is athirst come. And whoso- 



5 6 COMING TO THE KING. 

ever will, let him take the water of life freely. 
Rev. xxii. 17. 

Thou wilt show me the path of life : in thy 
presence is fullness of joy ; at thy right hand there 
are pleasures for evermore. Ps. xvi. 1 1 . 



Morning. 

MOST gracious and infinite Father! while 
•***- I am kneeling in thy holy presence, 
may I feel that I am indeed speaking to 
God ; may I pray with my heart as well 
as with my lips. Thou art not a God afar 
off, but thou art near, and canst see me and 
hear me as easily as my dear mother can, 
when I kneel by her side. 

Lord, remember me to-day, and put the 
Holy Spirit into my heart, that I may not 
forget thee. Bless my parents, my brothers 
and sisters, and every one dear to me. 
Bless the children I see around me, who do 
not fear God and do not love him. 

Lord Jesus, the Lamb of God, who 



COMING TO THE KING. 



57 



taketh away the sins of the world, have 
mercy upon us all, and save our souls. 
Amen. 

Evening. 

TT7XTH joy, dear Jesus, I come to thee to- 
» » night, to praise and thank thee for the 
happiness and pleasure thou hast given me 
this day. I have enjoyed thy goodness in 
every hour, and I desire to confess that 
there is nothing in me to merit such kind- 
ness from thee, the great and righteous God. 
But, Lord, though thou shouldst bestow 
upon me an infinite number of gifts and 
mercies, I should still be poor and needy 
without thy smile and love in my heart. 
And I am not satisfied without feeling thy 
love in my soul, for thy love seems to me to 
be the living water which thou hast offered 
to us to drink. Oh dear Father in heaven, 
though I am so young my heart is not con- 
tented with only the good things which thou 
hast given me to enjoy ; thy blessed Spirit 



58 



COMING TO THE KINO. 



has taught me to thirst for the sweet river 
of thy pleasures. Grant unto me, I pray 
thee, thy love and presence in my heart, to 
be my chief happiness. I pray, Lord, for 
the thousands of poor and ignorant people 
who know nothing better than the pleasures 
of the body ; who never think of heaven, 
and know not the way to its joys. Oh, 
send down thy blessing upon all the world 
to-night. I ask it all for Jesus' sake. 
Amen. 




COMING TO THE KING. 59 



SIXTEENTH DA Y. 

pHILD of Mary, thou dost know, 
^ What of danger, joy, or woe, 
Shall to-day my portion be, 
Let me meet it all in thee. 

Thou wast meek and undefiled, 
Make me holy too, and mild ; 
Thou didst foil the tempter's power, 
Help me in temptation's hour. 

Thou didst love thy mother here, 
Make me gentle, kind, and dear ; 
Thou wast subject to her word, 
Teach me to obey, O Lord ! 

Fretful feelings, passion, pride, 
Never did with thee abide : 
Make me watch myself to-day, 
That they lead me not astray. 

C. F. H. 

I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the 
Lord sustained me. Ps. iii. 5. 

But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our 
righteousnesses are as filthy rags. Is. lxiv. 6. 



60 COMING TO THE KING. 

Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and 
cleanse me from my sin. Ps. li. 2. 

He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed 
in white raiment ; and I will not blot out his 
name out of the book of life, but I will confess 
his name before my Father, and before his angels. 
Rev. iii. 5. 

Morning. 

T THANK thee, God, that I am again 
•*-' permitted to rise from my bed, and pre- 
pare myself for the pleasant duties and en- 
joyments of a new day. While I am dress- 
ing I would remember the holy word which 
says, " Let thy garments be always white." 
Oh that to-day no spot of sin might be 
found upon my soul. Lord, keep my con- 
science pure, and my heart undefiled ; let 
not hypocrisy, nor envy, nor selfishness, nor 
vanity, nor any other sin, pollute my soul. 
Let not the seeds and roots of sin in me 
bear fruit to offend thee, and destroy my 
own happiness. God, do not let me set 



COMING TO THE KING. 6 1 

a wicked and dangerous example to my 
playmates and friends, but purify and bless, 
and save me. Wash my soul in Jesus' 
blood, and keep it white by thy grace. 
May I deny myself every evil indulgence, 
and do thou, dear Saviour, make me watch- 
ful against every temptation. Lord, hear 
my prayer for Jesus' sake. Amen. 



Evening. 

"HEAR Jesus, draw me close to thy side 
to-night, and make me feel that thou 
art listening to my prayer. Thou art my 
best and kindest friend ; when I hear thy 
name my heart is full of praise and joy. 
Lord, my blessed Saviour, wilt thou not 
take care of me all the years of my life ? 
Wilt thou not deliver me from every danger 
by thy strong arm ? I trust in thee to save 
me from all that can harm me ; but above 
all, from sin. I am too weak and ignorant 
to take care of myself ; I pray thee to do 
6 



62 COMING TO THE KINO. 

all things for me, and at last to lead me 
into the heavenly home. Dear Jesus, how 
holy and happy are the blessed spirits who 
live with thee ! We, who are in this world, 
are like children far away from our Father's 
house ; please to take me into thy care, and 
keep me from wandering out of the path 
that leads to thee. Have mercy upon the 
children who live in ignorance, and know 
nothing of thy love. Bless the missionaries 
who preach the gospel to the heathen. 
Lord, have mercy upon me, and upon all for 
whom I should pray. I ask it all for Jesus 7 
sake. Amen. 




COMING TO THE KING. 63 



SEVENTEENTH DA Y. 

^THE Saviour bids us watch and pray, 
A Through life's brief fleeting hour, 
And giyes the Spirit's quickening ray 
To those who seek its power. 

The Saviour bids us watch and pray, 

For soon the hour will come, 
That calls us from the earth away, 

To our eternal home. 

O Saviour, we would watch and pray, 

And hear thy sacred voice ; 
And walk as thou hast marked the way, 

To heaven's eternal joys. 

HASTINGS. 

Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, nether have 
entered into the heart of man, the things which 
God hath prepared for them that love him. 1 
Cor. ii. 9. 

If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, 
from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and 
call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, 



64 COMING TO THE KING. 

honorable ; and shalt honor him, not doing thine 
own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor 
speaking thine own words : Then shalt thou de- 
light thyself in the Lord. Is. lviii. 13, 14. 

Morning. 

"FvEAR Jesus, wilt thou not teach me when 
*J I read thy Holy Bible to take the sweet 
words into my heart. Thou canst make me 
feel that the precious promises are for me 
though I am so young. Hast thou not said- 
that when we call upon thee thou wilt hear ? 
Please to hear me this morning, and help me 
to understand thy holy book ; may I read 
in it with reverence and gratitude. 

When I go to the house of God upon the 
Sabbath, may the light of thy truth shine 
upon my mind and heart ; may the Holy 
Spirit give to me my portion of the heavenly 
bread. May the Sabbath be the sweetest 
day of all the week to me ; let me never be 
guilty of breaking thy command to keep it 
holy. 



COMING TO THE KING. 65 

Lord, bless me in the Sabbath-school ; 
help me to study the lessons, and to remem- 
ber my teacher's instructions. Prepare me 
to sing thy praise in heaven with all who 
love thee there. I ask it for Jesus' sake. 
Amen. 

Evening. * 

T\EAR heavenly Father! all my life has 
■^ been happy under thy protecting wing ; 
thou hast shielded me from the dangers of 
another day and given me many blessings 
to enjoy. I thank thee for my home, my 
friends, and for my claily bread. Thou 
hast given these gifts of thy mercy to 
me, because the blessed Saviour lived and 
died to obtain thy compassion and pity for 
us who are so unworthy of thy goodness. 
But, dear Lord, thy love to my soul is 
greater than these mercies to my poor body; 
I will praise thee as long as I live for the 
gift of thy dear Son, I will bless thee when 
I lie down, and when I rise up, because he 
6* 



66 COMING TO THE KING. 

came into the world to save lost sinners. 
With a penitent heart I ask thy forgiveness 
of all my sins. 

God, spare my life through the night 
I pray thee ; bless my dear parents and all 
my friends, and all for whom I ought to 
pray, for Jesus' sake. Amen. 




COMING TO THE KING. 67 



EIGHTEENTH HA Y. 

TTAST thou invited me to come, 

Dear Saviour, to thy loving breast ? 
Within thy heart can there be room, 
For such a young and sinful guest ? 

Gladly I seek thy smiling face ; 

Thy invitation I accept ; 
Led by the kindness of thy grace 

Let me in paths of life be kept. a. w. h. 

But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid 
them not, to come unto me ; for of such is the 
kingdom of heaven. Matt. xix. 14. 

He shall feed his flock like a Shepherd ; he 
shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry 
them in his bosom. Is. xl. 11. 

Morning. 

pKEAT God, I look up to thee, and hum- 
" bly ask thee to bend thine ear to my 
prayer, and to permit me to come near to 
thee through Jesus Christ, my Saviour. 



68 COMING TO THE KING. 

Before I open thy word to read its sacred 
truths I would ask for the presence and help 
of the Holy Spirit. I know that I may 
search the Scriptures every day, and re- 
ceive no good to my soul, unless the Spirit 
makes me to see the beauty of Jesus as his 
glory shines on every page. And I know 
that in my blindness and ignorance I shall 
never see how much I need a Saviour, if the 
Holy Spirit does not show to me my sins 
and my danger of eternal punishment. I 
love the Bible, because it unfolds to me the 
wonderful love of the dear Redeemer ! 
God, I beseech of thee, let the Holy Spirit 
enter into my heart and make it a pure and 
holy place for the blessed Jesus to dwell in ; 
may thy word show me the way in which I 
should go, and may the influence of the Spirit 
make me to walk in it. 

Lord, strengthen my memory, that I 
may keep this precious word in my heart, 
that I may not sin against thee. I ask it 
all for Jesus' sake. Amen. 



COMING TO THE KING. 69 

Evening. 

A LMIGHTY God, thy goodness has fol- 
^*- lowed me through the hours of another 
day ; the same tenderness and pity which 
feeds the little birds has provided for all my 
wants. I lift my heart to thee to thank 
thee for such constant love and care. Thou 
art never weary of doing us good, though 
we grow so soon tired of keeping thy com- 
mandments. 

Thou art kind and good to all ; thou 
art full of love. Lord, if I have shown a 
selfish or ungenerous spirit to-day, I pray 
thee to forgive it ; if Ihave been stubborn 
or disobedient ; if I have forgotten the holy 
example of Jesus, when he was a child sub- 
ject to his parents ; I pray to be forgiven 
for his sake. Take me into thine arms to- 
night, dear Father in heaven, and bless me. 
Oh, put the Holy Spirit into my heart ; 
make me more and more like Jesus ! 
God, hear my prayer for the dear Redeem- 
er's sake. Amen. 



7o 



COMING TO THE KING. 



NINETEENTH DA Y. 

A S with gladness men of old 

Did the guiding-star behold ; 
As with joy they hailed its light, 
Leading onward, beaming bright ; 
So, most gracious God, may we 
Evermore be led by thee. 

As with joyful steps they sped 
To that lowly manger-bed ; 
There to bend the knee before 
Him whom heayen and earth adore ; 
So may we with willing feet 
Eyer seek thy mercy-seat. 

Holy Jesus ! every day 
Keep us in the narrow way ; 
And, when earthly things are past 
Bring our ransomed souls at last 
"Where they need no star to guide, 
Where no clouds thy glory hide. 

w. c. DIX. 

And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, 



COMING TO THE KING. yi 

in that day when I make up my jewels. Mai. iii. 

17. 

Ye are bought with a price, 1 Cor. vii. 23. 

For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right 
hand, saying unto thee, Fear not ; I will help 
thee. Is. xli. 13. 

Morning. 

A LORD, may I believe that I am one of 
^ thy jewels ? Is my soul like a precious 
gem in thy sight ? I would praise thee for 
thy love ! Help me to remember the price 
which Jesus paid that my soul miglit belong 
to him ! God, I rejoice to know that 
thou wilt take care of me and keep me by 
thy power, and at last set me as a shining 
gem in Jesus 7 crown. 

This day may I often think of what the 
dear Saviour has done for me ; help me to 
tell my playmates and friends how sweet it 
is to feel the love of Jesus in my heart ; may 
they learn from me to love him too, and to 
do the things which please him. Dear heav- 



7 2 



COMING TO THE KING. 



enly Father, make me more lovely and holy 
that I may shine like one of thy jewels here 
in this world. I ask it all for my Saviour's 
sake-. Amen. 

Evening* 

"HEAR Father in heaven, I kneel before 
•U thy glorious throne to-night to receive 
thy blessing. Thou hast seen my efforts to- 
day to please thee ; thou hast helped me to 
resist some of my temptations. I thank thee 
that I am not left with only my own strength 
and wishes to do right, for I could not take 
a step in the right way if thou shouldst leave 
me to myself. Dear Jesus, hold my hand, I 
pray, and be my gracious guide and helper. 
Pardon all my sins through the past day, 
and put thy merciful arms around me to- 
night. God, hear me for my Saviour's 
sake. Amen. 



COMING TO THE KING-. 73 



TWENTIETH DA Y. 

Q WELL the anthem, raise the song ; 

Praises to our God belong ; 
Saints and angels ! join to sing 
Praises to the heavenly king. 
Blessings from his liberal hand 
Flow around this happy land : 
Kept by him, no foes annoy ; 
Peace and freedom we enjoy. 

Here beneath a virtuous sway, 
May we cheerfully obey ; 
Never feel oppression's rod, 
Ever own and worship God. 
Hark ! the voice of nature sings 
Praises to the King of kings ; 
Let us join the choral song, 
And the grateful notes prolong. 

ANON. 

The fear of man bringeth a snare. Prov. xxix. 
25. 

The fear of the Lord is to hate evil. Prov. 
vhi. 13. 

7 



74 



COMING TO THE KINO. 



Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil. 
Ex. xxiii. 2. 

The just upright man is laughed to scorn. Job 
xii. 4. 

For God is the King of all the earth. Ps. 
xlvii. 7. 

And I will give peace in the land, and ye shall 
lie down, and none shall make you afraid. Lev. 
xxvi. 6. 

Morning. 

A LMIGHTY God, thou art the King of 
-^ kings, and the Lord of the whole earth ! 
Thy great kindness has given me my home 
in this favored land, where thy Sabbaths 
are loved and thy word is preached. Our 
lives and our homes are protected by our 
Government and rulers. Lord, I pray for 
my country ; that our laws may be just, 
protecting the good, and punishing wrong- 
doers. Bless all our people with happiness 
and peace. Forgive our enemies, and may 
the law of love rule our hearts. Save us, 



COMING TO THE KING. 



75 



dear Father in heaven, from pestilence and 
famine ; , provide for the poor and needy ; 
and deliver us all from the evil we deserve. 
Teach all men everywhere to worship thee, 
and to live in thy fear. 

Almighty God, hear my prayer for my 
native land ; may I ever be loyal and patri- 
otic, and may I appreciate the mercy of 
God, which has surrounded me with such 
advantages and protection. 

I offer these petitions unto thee, God, 
in the dear Redeemer's name. Amen. 



Evening. 

A LORD, I come to thee at the close of 
" this day, to thank thee for all the lov- 
ing kindness thou hast shown me. 

I thank thee, God, for the grace of the 
Holy Spirit, which makes me desire to give 
thee my heart, and to obey thee. Some of 
my companions would tempt me to cast off 
the fear of God, and to yield to sinful pleas- 



7 6 COMING TO THE KING. 

ures. Oh, my dear heavenly Father ! thou 
knowest how weak I am, and how wicked 
my heart is ! Do not let me be afraid of 
ridicule ; do not let me be ashamed of show- 
ing my fear of sin, and my love to the dear 
Saviour ! Lord, forgive me, I pray thee, 
if to-day I have followed others to do that 
which I knew was wrong. Oh, give me a 
tender conscience at all times, and give me 
courage to try to do right. 

Please to protect me and all my friends 
this night, and accept my prayer for Jesus' 
sake. Amen. 




COMING TO THE KING. 77 



TWENTY-FIRST DA T. 

TTHERE'S not a leaf within the bower ; 
**■ There's not a bird upon the tree ; 
There's not a dew-drop on the flower ; 

But bears the impress, Lord, of thee. 

Thy hand the varied leaf designed, 
And gave the bird its thrilling tone ; 

Thy power the dew-drop's tints combined, 
Till like the diamond's blaze they shone. 

Yes, dew-drops, leaves, and buds, and all, 
The smallest, like the greatest, things ; 

The sea's vast space, the earth's wide ball, 
Alike proclaim thee King of kings. 

MRS. OPIE. 

Honor thy father and thy mother. Ex. xx. 1 2. 

Let them learn first to show piety at home, and 
to requite their parents : for that is good and ac- 
ceptable before God. 1 Tim. v. 4. 

Behold what manner of love the Father hath 
bestowed upon us, that we should be called the 
sons of God ! 1 J no. iii. 1. 



7 8 COMING TO THE KING. 

Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear chil 
dren. Eph. v. I. 

Morning. 

A GAIN do I thank thee, God, for the 
-£*- cheerful light, which makes every crea- 
ture happy. Thou hast added yet another 
day to my life. Oh, how merciful, dear 
heavenly Father, hast thou been to me ever 
since I was born ! I see thy mercy and 
goodness in the pleasant sunshine, in the 
air I breathe, and in all the beautiful things 
of the earth around me. Lord, every thing 
in creation obeys thee, and shows thy loving 
kindness. God, help me to obey thee, too ; 
help me to-day to do the very best I can ; 
may I be careful to regard my parents' 
wishes in the smallest things. 

Please to hear my prayers for all my 
friends and companions ; may we all love 
and obey the dear Saviour, who died that 
we might be saved. For his sake, hear my 
prayer. Amen. 



COMING TO THE KING. 



79 



Evening. 

T\EAR Jesus, thou art the blessed Saviour, 
^ who didst come down from the skies to 
save our lost world ; many happy men, and 
women, and children, saw thy face and 
touched thy hand. It made them sad to see 
thee leave the earth and go back into 
heaven. 

I wish that my eyes could see thy gracious 
smile, when I come to seek thee. I wish I 
could feel thy gentle hand upon my head, 
while I feel in my heart that I have found 
thee. For I know thou art near to me — 
that I may always find thee ready to listen 
to my prayers. Nothing in the world can 
make me so happy as thy love ; thy mercies 
to me are more in number than the drops of 
dew, bat I pray thee let thy smile be to me 
the sweetest of all thy blessings. Help me 
every day to feel that I am only a little pil- 
grim travelling to that happy home where I 
shall see and be with thee for ever. Amen. 



8o COMING TO THE KING. 



TWENTY-SECOND DAY. 

VOTING and happy while thou art, 

Not a furrow on thy brow, 
Not a sorrow in thy heart, 

Seek the Lord, thy Saviour, now. 
In its freshness bring the flower, 

While the dew upon it lies ; 
In the cool and cloudless hour 

Of the morning sacrifice. 

Life will haye its eyil years, 

When its skies are oyercast ; 
All the present thronged with fears, 

And with yain regrets the past : 
Let him tremble, who his heart 

In an hour like that would bring, 
Lest Jehoyah say, " Depart ! 

9 Tis a worn and worthless thing." 

ANON. 

Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy 
youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years 
draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure 
in them. Eccl. xii. i* 



COMING TO THE KING, 81 

Wilt thou not from this time cry unto me, My 
Father, thou art the guide of my youth ? Jer. iii. 4. 

I love them that love me ; and those that seek 
rne early shall find me. Prov. viii. 17. 

Morning. 

TTOW good hast thou been to me, my 
A heavenly Father ! How sweetly and 
safely have I slept under the shadow of thy 
wings ! I pray thee to accept my thanks- 
givings for all thy goodness. To-day, 
Lord, help me to try more than ever to 
please thee. As the little birds beat their 
wings and try to fly, so Fwould make every 
effort that I can to do the things I ought to 
do, and to be a Christian child. Keep me, 
I pray thee, from growing weary in well-do- 
ing. I thank thee that children have a place 
in thy kingdom, and that we may ask thee 
for thy grace to help us. May I keep close 
to the Saviour ; let me never wander away 
from his hand, and grieve him by my diso- 
bedience. Help me to make my parents 



82 COMING TO THE KING. 

happy to-day by my constant regard to their 
wishes. Oh that I could spend one day 
without sin. Lord, lead me not into temp- 
tation, but deliver me from evil, for Jesus' 
sake. Amen. 

Evening. 

A GOD, how great is thy love and pity 
^J toward us ! how great was thy mercy 
in sending thy dear Son to redeem us ! I 
would give thee the best love of my heart ; 
please to help me to trust the Lord Jesus as 
my Saviour. 

Have mercy, clear Jesus, upon the poor 
and friendless little children, who know so 
little of thee. Oh send some one to tell 
them of thy love to us ; send some kind 
friends to do them good ; make me willing 
and glad to deny myself, to give them a 
share in the blessings which thou hast given 
me. Dear heavenly Father, forgive all my 
ingratitude for thy great mercies and bless 
me still for Jesus' sake. Amen. 



COMING TO THE KING. 83 



TWENTY-THIRD DA Y 

A S a bird in meadows fair 

Or in lonely forest sings 
Till it fills the summer air, 

And the greenwood sweetly rings. 
So my heart to thee would raise, 
O my God, its song of praise 
That the gloom of night is o'er 
And I see the sun once more. 

If thou, Sun of Love, arise, 
All my heart with joy is stirred, 
And to greet thee upward flies, 

Gladsome as yon little bird. 
Shine thou in me clear and bright 
Till I learn to praise thee right, 
Guide me in the narrow way, 
Let me ne'er in darkness stray. 

Bless to-day whatc'er I do, 

Bless what e'er I have and love : 

From the paths of virtue true 
Let me never, never rove ; 



84 COMING TO THE KING. 

By tliy Spirit strengthen me 
In the faith that leads to thee, 
Then an heir of life on high 
Fearless I may live and die. 

ANON. 

I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep : 
for thou, Lord, only makes t me dwell in safety. 
Ps. iv. 8. 

Who redeemeth thy life from destruction ; who 
crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender 
mercies. Ps. ciii. 4. 

My son, give me thine heart. Prov. xxiii. 26. 

Love not the world, neither the things that are 
in the world. 1 Jno. ii. 15. 



Morning. 

npHB dreary night has gone, and the bright 
-*- and pleasant sun shines down again 
upon the earth. I rise to praise thee, my 
heavenly Father, for the merciful care which 
thou hast taken of me while I slept. Thou 
dost know what dangers and pleasures are 



COMING TO THE KING. 85 

before me to-day ; I pray thee make me 
watchful that no fretful feelings or wicked 
passions may lead me into sin. Keep me in 
the fear of God and from eyery sinful action. 
Do not let me speak an angry or unholy 
word ; make me gentle and pure ; and all 
through the day, even in my play, help me 
to remember that I offered my heart to God 
this morning, and asked him to make it holy. 
Lord, hear my prayer, for the dear Re- 
deemer's sake. Amen. 



Evening. 

T\EAR Saviour, I come to thee to-night, to 
-^ thank thee for thy gracious love and 
care. I am not worthy to receive any of 
thy mercies ; I can only bring to thee a 
grateful heart and ask thee to fill it with 
love to thyself. 

I have this day heard thy voice calling to 
me, and I have felt thee knocking gently at 
the door of my wicked heart. Oh help me 



86 COMING TO THE KING. 

to open the door and to welcome thee as my 
best and dearest friend. Dear Saviour, 
please to keep my soul a pure and holy home 
for thee to dwell in. 

God, wash my soul in the blood of the 
Lamb, and clothe me with the garments of 
his righteousness. Help me to learn the 
new song of praise to Jesus which is sung in 
heaven ; that when I die I may be ready to 
take my harp and join the happy spirits who 
sing around his throne. 

Let thy mercy protect me and all my 
friends this night, and grant that we may 
wake to love and please thee better. Amen. 




COMING TO THE KINO. 87 



TWENTY-FO UBTH DA T. 

Tj^EOM thy flock, a straying lamb, 
•*- Tender Shepherd, though I am ; 
ISTow, upon the mountain cold, 
Lost, I long to gain the fold, 
And within thine arms to be : 
Jesus, Saviour, pity me ! anon. 

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, 
and they follow me : 

And I give unto them eternal life ; and they 
shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck 
them out of my hand. Jno. x. 27, 28. 

I will seek that which was lost, and bring again 
that which was driven away, and will bind up 
that which was broken, and will strengthen that 
which was sick. Ezek. xxxiv. 16. 







Morning. 

HOLY and gracious Spirit! come into 
my heart, I pray thee, and keep me 



88 COMING TO THE KING. 

wholly under thy sweet and holy influence. 
I beseech thee to renew and sanctify my un- 
holy heart ; instruct my mind, and control 
my selfish will. 

Oh show me the wickedness of my nature ; 
make me sensible of the eternal danger to 
which I am exposed, if Jesus Christ be not 
my friend and Saviour. 

Cause me to see the loveliness of the 
character of the dear Kedeemer, that I may 
love him with all my heart, and rejoice to 
serve him with all my pow ers. 

Shed abroad the love of God in my heart, 
and in sweetest mercy give me the joy of 
knowing and feeling the love of Jesus to my 
soul. 

blessed Spirit! be in my heart the 
spirit of all grace, and make my soul an 
humble dwelling for the Lord 

And unto the Father, and to the Son, and 
to the Holy Spirit, will I give eternal praise 
and worship. Amen. 



COMING TO THE KING. 89 

Evening. 

OTHOU holy Son of God ! thou art the 
kind and tender Shepherd, who didst 
leave thy glory in heaven to seek and to 
save the lost. 

- 1 am one of the foolish and wicked sheep 
who have wandered away from the paths of 
happiness and peace. Wilt thou, dear Sa- 
viour, seek after one so young as I ? Dear 
Jesus, wilt thou miss me from thy flock ? O 
Lord, I am afraid to be far away from thee ; 
please to call my soul from every wicked 
way, and hold me up while I follow after 
thee. Help me to tell others how sweet it 
is to be loved by thee, that they may love 
thee too. Amen. 




go COMING TO THE KINO. 



TWENTY-FIFTH DA T. 

THAT little babe in Bethlehem, 
■*■ Upon its mother's knee, 
Created all the mighty worlds 
Which o'er my head I see. 

And this sweet earth I walk upon, 
Was made so bright and fair 

By Jesus Christ, the Son of God, 
Who lies an infant there. 

How could he leave his home on high, 

To take that manger-bed ? 
The angels long to spread their wings 

Beneath his sacred head. 

O Jesus ! make my spirit like 

Thine infant heart so meek ; 
And shut my eyes to earthly good, 

While things above I seek. g. w. h. 

And they came with haste, and found Mary 
and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 
Luke ii. 16. 



COMING TO THE KING. 91 

All things were made by him ; and without him 
was not any thing made that was made. Jno. i. 3. 

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
that, though he was rich, yet .for your sakes he be- 
came poor, that ye through his poverty might be 
rich. 2 Cor. viii. 9. 

And on his head were many crowns. Rev. 
xix. 12. 



Morning. 

THIS morning, dear heavenly Father, I 
-*- feel in my heart a wish to love thee 
more, and to please thee more perfectly. 
To-day let me do something for thee ; let 
me gain some little victory over my wrong 
desires. When the sun sets, may I be able 
to bring to thee a thankful and happy heart. 
Help me to do the best I can ; help me to 
do all the good I can, and graciously give 
me the Holy Spirit to make me what I 
ought to be. Lord, let me not mock thee 
with prayers which I forget as soon as I rise 
from my knees. Let me not be like the 



92 



COMING TO THE KING. 



fig-tree which bore no pleasant fruit for the 
Saviour, but may my soul be full of the fruits 
of the Spirit. I ask it all for Jesus' sake. 
Amen. 



Evening. 

"DLBSSED Saviour! before the heavens and 
** the earth were created, and before the 
sea was made, thou didst sit at the right 
hand of God and wear a crown of glory. 
I wonder when I read of thee as a little 
babe born in a manger. All that the world 
contains is thine, and yet thou hadst no 
pleasant home to dwell in, and no place 
where to lay thy head. 

Lord, make me grateful for all thou 
hast endured to do us good. Never let me 
complain or be impatient, though I should 
suffer much. Have mercy upon me, and 
bring me at last to heaven, where I shall see 
thee again upon thy throne, with the many 
crowns upon thy head. Amen. 



COMING TO THE KING. 



93 



TWENTY-SIXTH DA Y. 

THE bird that soars on highest wing, 

Builds on the ground her lowly nest ; 
And she that doth most sweetly sing, 

Sings in the shade when all things rest : 
— In lark and nightingale we see 
What honor hath humility. 

When Mary chose " the better part," 

She meekly sat at Jesus feet ; 
' And Lydia's gently opened heart 

Was made for God's own temple meet : 
— Fairest and best adorned is she, 
Whose clothing is humility. 

MONTGOMERY. 

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me ; for 
I am meek and lowly in heart. Matt. xi. 29. 

God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto 
the humble. Jam. iv. 6. 

For thus saith the high and lofty One that in- 
habiteth eternity, whose name is Holy ; I dwell in 
the high and holy place, with him also that is of 



94 COMING TO THE KING. 

a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of 
the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite 
ones. Is. lvii. 15. 

Your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. 
1 Jno. ii. 12. 

Morning. 

TTNTO thee, Lord, do I again bring my 
^ worship and praise ; unto thee do I 
come with a new song of thanksgiving ; for 
thou hast preserved me through another 
night, and brought me to see the light of 
another day. Wilt thou not help me this 
day to live to thy praise? Among my 
brothers and sisters may I be the one willing 
to yield for the happiness of all ; may I be 
slow to find fault with their conduct, while 
I keep a careful watch on my own ; may I 
study to please and assist them and may we 
live together in love. 

Lord, may I be a good and obedient 
child to my parents, and may I be respect- 
ful and courteous to all persons. May I 



COMING TO THE KING. 



95 



never forget to reverence and honor the old ; 
and do thou give me a heart full of pity and 
sympathy for all who are infirm or in dis- 
tress. Let me not think that I am too young 
to try to comfort and relieve them. 

Let me not think that my time is of no 
importance, but may I use it wisely ; and 
let not my conversation be idle and foolish. 
Lord, help me to day, for Jesus 7 sake. 
Amen. 

Evening. 

f\ LORD, to-night I feel that my prayers 
" can hardly reach thine ear. My eyes 
can see only my ungrateful and wicked sins ; 
and thy dear smile seems no more to rest 
upon me. Oh, my dear Saviour ! thou art 
not less kind and merciful, but I am wholly 
to blame for my unhappiness because I 
have wandered away from thee. Oh ! draw 
near to me though I am so unworthy. Have 
pity upon me even in my sins, and pardon 
me in mercy. 



9 6 COMING TO THE KING. 

I pray for any poor child in all the world 
who has forgotten thy voice to-day ; who 
has fallen into sins through neglect of prayer. 
Before they sleep to-night do thou gently 
and kindly speak to their hearts, and again 
fill them with thy love. 

Graciously pray for us, dear Jesus, that 
we may be kept in the future from grieving 
the Holy Spirit away from our hearts. Lord, 
save me from every danger this night ; bless 
my dear friends, and hear my prayer for thy 
pardon and love, for Jesus' sake. Amen. 



oSfir 



vjJBfaggfcaffSN* 



COMING TO THE KING. 



97 



TWENTY-SEVENTH DA T. 

T'M not too young for God to see, 

A He knows my name and nature too ; 

And all day long he looks at me, 

And sees my actions through and through. 

He listens to the words I say, 

He knows the thoughts I have within ; 

And whether I'm at work or play, 
He's sure to see it if I sin. 

If some one great and good is near, 
It makes us careful what we do ; 

And how much more we ought to fear 

The Lord who sees us through and through. 

Thus when inclined to do amiss, 

However pleasant it may be ; 
I'll always try to think of this, 

I'm not too young for God to see. anon. 

When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid ; 
yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be 
sweet. Prov. iii. 24. 
9 



gS COMING TO THE KING. 

Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it 
is for the eyes to behold the sun. Eccl. xi. 7. 

Search me, O God, and know my heart; try 
me, and know my thoughts ; and see if there be 
any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way 
everlasting. Ps. cxxxix. 23, 24, 



Morning. 

f\ GOD, thou hast waked me from my 
^ sleep, and given me again the power to 
rise from my bed ; thou dost permit me once 
more to see the faces of my friends, and to 
look at the beautiful sky above me, and the 
trees and flowers upon the earth. I can 
hear the voices of those I love, and the sing- 
ing of the birds. Dear heavenly Father, 
accept my thanks, this morning, that I am 
alive to enjoy these sweet pleasures. Help 
me to enjoy this new day with a thankful 
heart. May I try to make our home happy ; 
let no hour find me idle, or engaged in any 
sinful amusement, but make me always a 



COMING TO THE KINO. 



99 



Christian child, even in my play. May I 
try to do all the good I can, that I may 
grow more and more like the lovely angels, 
who come down to this world on errands of 
love and kindness. God, pardon all my 
sins, I pray thee, and receive my prayer for 
Jesus' sake. Amen. 



Evening. 

A LMIGHTY God ! the day and the night 
■***■ are both alike to thee ; thou seest me 
always, for thine eye is never closed ; thy 
mercy keeps me in safety, when I wake and 
when I sleep ! Help me to remember that 
thine eye is ever upon me, to know what I 
do or think. Let it be a pleasant thought 
to me, that thou canst look into my heart, 
and see my desire to please thee. May love 
to Jesus be always prompting me to do all 
the good I can ; may it make me brave 
and patient in trying to conquer my selfish 
wishes. 



10 o COMING TO THE KING. 

I will remember how he wore the thorny 
crown for me, and I will try not to grieve 
him any more by my sins. I will remember 
all he endured to merit for us a place in 
heaven. God, teach me my dependence 
upon Jesus for eternal happiness. May I 
be taught by thy grace to understand what 
it means when I read that the Son of God 
came to save the lost. Oh ! may this gra- 
cious friend of sinners be my Saviour, and 
may my whole life be spent in his service 
and to his praise. Dear Father in heaven, 
watch over me while I sleep this night, 
and hear my prayer for Jesus' sake. Amen. 




ifer 



!».. 






COMING TO THE KING. IO i 



TWENTY-EIGHTH DAY. 

TESUS ! tliy gracious word 
^ Relieved each aching breast ; 
With sweetest accents ever heard 
It soothed all griefs to rest 

With power that voice so sweet 
Dispelled each angry thought ; 

It drew lost sinners to thy feet, 
And healing wonders wrought. 

Oh make me ever kind, 

And pitiful and true ; 
Give me thy meek and lowly mind 

To govern all I do. g. w. h. 

For we shall all stand before the judgment-seat 
of Christ. Rom. xiv. 10. 

Thou makest darkness, and it is night. Ps. 
civ. 20. 

What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. 
Ps. lvi. 3. 

What is our sin that we have committed against 
the Lord our God ? Jer. xvi. 10. 
9* 



102 COMING TO THE KING. 

Morning. 

UEAVENLY Father! by % goodness I 
-*--*- have been spared to see another day; 
Oh make me to remember that my life is 
not all to be spent here upon the earth ; let 
me never forget that there is a future and 
eternal life which my soul shall spend with 
the good and happy around thy throne, or 
with those miserable beings who do not love 
thee. Teach me to understand that thou 
art my Judge, and that I shall receive the 
sweet rewards promised to those who love 
thee, or be sent away from thy presence if I 
have never asked the Lord Jesus to forgive 
my sins. 

I pray thee let no sin this day defile my 
soul and bring sorrow into my heart. Bless 
and keep me and all my friends ; make us 
happy in thy goodness to us. Please to 
come, dear Jesus, and be near us night and 
day, and fit us to live for ever in the home 
which thou hast prepared for us in heaven. 
Amen. 



COMING TO THE KING. 



103 



Evening. 

THE pleasant light of day is gone ; and 
-*- the darkness covers the earth with 
gloom ! I am not afraid to be alone, for 
God is everywhere, and he is my dear 
Father, able and willing to take care of me. 

God, thou hast watched me through 
this day ; I remember special acts of sin for 
which I pray to be forgiven. A temptation 
which I did not expect caused me to offend 
God. Oh ! help me to meet temptations, 
that I may not yield to them. Give me 
penitence for the sins which I daily commit ; 
to which I am so constantly inclined. Make 
me to see all my faults, which have become 
wicked habits. Let me not think that the 
sins I so often repeat are of but little con- 
sequence in thy sight. But give me true 
repentance for every sin, and save my soul 
through Jesus Christ. 

Lord, bless us all this night, and hear 
my prayer, for the Redeemer's sake. Amen. 



104 



COMING TO THE KINQ. 



TWENTY-NINTH DA Y. 

AH that mine eye might closed be, 

^ To what becomes me not to see ; 

That deafness might possess mine ear, 

To what concerns me not to hear ; 

That truth my tongue might always tie, 

From eyer speaking foolishly ! 

That no vain thought might ever rest, 

Or be conceived within my breast ; 

That by each word, each deed, each thought, 

Glory may to my God be brought ; 

But what are wishes ? Lord, mine eye 

On thee is fixed ; to thee I cry, 

Oh, purge out all my dross, my sin, 

Make me more white than snow within ; 

Wash, Lord, and purify my heart, 

And make it clean in every part ; 

And when 'tis clean, Lord, keep it so, 

For that is more than I can do. 

ELWOOD. 

I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes. 
Ps. ci. 3. 



COMING TO THE KING. 



105 



Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but 
they that deal truly are his delight. Pro v. xii. 22. 

I hate vain thoughts : but thy law do I love. 
Ps. cxix. 1 13. 

Let your light so shine before men, that they 
may see your good works, and glorify your Father 
which is in heaven. Matt. v. 16. 

Create in me a clean heart, O God ; and renew 
a right spirit within me. Ps. li. 10. 

Morning. 

T\EAR Jesus, my merciful Saviour, I have 
*J often promised thee that I would try to 
be a better child ; I have confessed many 
sins to thee, and asked thy forgiveness ; but, 
after all my promises and sorrow, I have re- 
peated the wickedness which has grieved 
thee. And now I am ashamed to lift my 
eyes to thy face while my heart is so full of 
sin. I cannot make my vile heart clean in 
thy sight ; and if I bring another promise 
to do only that which is good, I know that 
I shall not be able to keep it. 



106 COMING TO THE KING. 

Oh! dear Jesus, take my sinful desires 
away ; let me feel thee within my poor 
heart resisting the devil for me. Be thou 
my strength, for I am weak and unable to 
do the things I wish. Conquer for me all 
my evil habits, and make me watchful and 
sincere. 

Lord, deliver me from temptation and 
from confidence in myself, and increase my 
faith in thee, as my friend and Saviour. 
Amen. 

Evening. 

A GOD, before I lie down to sleep, I would 
" kneel at thy feet with gratitude and 
praise for all thy kindness to me. I praise 
thee that I have been taught to know some- 
thing of thee, my glorious Creator and con- 
stant benefactor. I thank thee that my 
friends have taught me to think of the value 
of my never-dying soul, and told me of the 
future world. 

May I think how swiftly the days pass 



COMING TO THE KING. 10? 

away, and how soon the time in which I 
must make my preparation for eternity will 
be gone. God, please to cleanse me from 
all stains of sin in Jesus' blood, and save my 
soul for Jesus' sake. Show me the evil of 
my sin, and make me sincerely to mourn 
over the wickedness of my heart. May I 
remember that God commands us to be holy 
as the angels are holy, and to do his will on 
the earth as it is done in heaven. Lord, 
forgive the many sins I have committed, and 
forgive me also that I do not love holiness 
more. Hear my prayer, I pray thee, and 
make me by thy Spirit what thou wouldst 
have me to be, for Jesus' sake. Amen. 




io8 COMING TO THE KING. 



THIRTIETH DA Y. 

THE little floweret takes its birth 

From tlie dark mould of dingy earth, 
But stretching upward quickly blends 
The light and loye that heayen sends, 
And throws upon the soft spring air 
In whitened bloom its childhood's prayer, 
While deep within the heart below 
An incense altar's all aglow : 
The prayer soon answered we discern, 
In ripened fruit of early germ. c. c. h. 

Unto you therefore which believe he is precious, 
i Pet. ii. 7. 

We love him, because he first loved us. 1 Jno. 
iv. 19. 

If a man love me, he will keep my words : and 
my Father will love him, and we will come unto 
him, and make our abode with him. Jno. xiv. 23. 

Morning. 

f\ THOU holy son of God, my precious 
^ Saviour, I desire to come near unto 



COMING TO THE KING. 109 

thee this morning, and to feel thy sweet and 
holy presence in my heart. I praise thee 
that I am not too young to call thee my Je- 
sus ; that I may commit myself to thee, and 
trust in thee as my loving and Almighty Sa- 
viour. I love the sound of thy dear name ; 
it takes away all my fears, when I kneel be- 
fore God to confess my sins and to ask his 
blessing. Oh ! let thy smile shine upon me, 
as the glorious sun shines upon the earth, 
until my heart shall become like a garden 
filled with flowers. May all my words and 
acts this day show the beauty and sweetness 
of piety, and, when all the days of my earthly 
life are passed, I pray thee to receive my 
soul into heaven for thy name's sake. Amen, 



Evening, 

A GOD, thou art the gracious Giver of 
^ every good thing ; thy goodness and 
mercy to me this day make me ashamed of 
my many sins and my imperfect obedience. 



no COMING TO THE KING. 

When I think of all the kindness I have 
received from thee, my heavenly Father, 
through my past life, and then remember 
what is promised to me in the Bible, which 
tells me of the life to come, I am filled with 
gratitude and praise. I see many around 
me deprived of the blessings I enjoy ! Oh, 
how great is thy love to me ! What have I 
done this day to show my love to thee ? I 
cannot pour precious perfume on thy head, 
dear Jesus, nor wash thy feet with my tears, 
but I long to show thee my love, and I will 
try to be gentle and pure and loving like 
thee. Let thy Spirit whisper in my ear the 
things thou wouldst have me to do, that I 
may please thee perfectly. 

Please to bless my friends to-night, and 
hear their prayers for me. God, bless 
all the world ; may the blessed Saviour be 
loved and worshipped everywhere ! I offer 
my prayer to thee in his precious name. 
Amen. 



COMING TO THE KING. \\\ 



THIRTY-FIRST DA Y 

TWO little pilgrims on their way, 
-*- I met upon life's road one day : 
One wished for earthly pleasures given ; 
The other asked the way to heaven. 
Oh happy was the child who trod 
The path that upward leads to God ! 
Thrice happy ! for the Saviour's voice 
Allured him on, and blest his choice. 

But ah ! that poor mistaken one, 
Who chose the fatal race to run ! 
I saw him tread on ruin's verge, 
And heard below the roaring singe. 
How low he fell I could not see : 
Haste thou, the path of danger flee ; 
These pilgrims and their choice survey, 
Behold their end, and choose thy way ! 

ANON. 

When thou saidst, Seek ye my face ; my heart 
said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek. Ps. 
xxvii. 8. 



1 12 COMING TO THE KING. 

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our 
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 2 Pet. iii. 18. 

Now unto him that is able to keep you from 
falling, and to present you faultless before the 
presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the 
only wise God, our Saviour, be glory and majesty, 
dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen 
Jude 24, 25. 

Morning. 

A LMIGHTY God, Father of my Lord 
£*■ and Saviour Jesus Christ, again I kneel 
at thy feet, and ask thee to take me into 
thine arms of mercy. Lead me this day 
through every little trial I must meet. 
Make me quick to feel the danger of yield- 
ing to sinful desires. Lord, give me a 
pure conscience ; by thy Holy Spirit teach 
me to know that which is right and holy in 
thy sight. Make me afraid to disobey thy 
voice, in my own heart ; and give me grace 
to pray for thy help, when I am in danger 
of being led into sin. 



COMING TO THE KING. 113 

Dear Father in heaven, I beseech thee to 
keeu my soul through time and eternity. 
May I be safe in thy arms ; and let not the 
dreadful enemy of souls pluck me from thy 
hands. 

Lord, forgive my many sins, and as 
thou dost show to me such wonderful love 
and mercy, so may I with gentleness and 
kindness forgive those who grieve or injure 
me. 

Again I give myself to thee, dear Father 
in heaven, and ask thee to receive my 
prayers for Jesus' sake. Amen. 



Evening. 

TvEAR heavenly Father, how sweet and 
*J precious are the gracious words by 
which thou dost tell us thy love ! With 
what tenderness hast thou made thyself 
known to sinful creatures ! Thou art a God 
infinitely just and holy, yet thou hast told us 
in thy word that thou art also merciful, 



ii4 



COMING TO THE KING. 



slow to anger, and of great kindness ! Who 
can measure the greatness of thy love to us 
in sending the precious Saviour to die that 
we might be forgiven ! How can I praise 
him enough who left his glorious throne to 
save my sinful soul ! Oh, let me not grieve 
his love by the hardness of my heart ; may I 
never resist the blessed Spirit, nor do wick- 
edly in thy sight, to provoke thee to anger. 
I thank thee, God, for my being, and 
for all the blessings which surround me. 
Thou dost know all that is before me in my 
earthly journey. I cannot tell what shall 
be on the morrow ; but I would daily com- 
mit myself to thee, because thou art my 
Father, and knowest what is best for me. 
Be near to me when I die, I pray thee, and 
let me see thy smile. When I can no longer 
hear the voices of my earthly friends, may 
my ears be opened to the songs of angels, 
and to thy voice of mercy welcoming me to 
my heavenly home. Almighty God, I offer 
all my prayers in Jesus' name. Amen. 

THE END. 



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